Wyoming judge strikes down two state laws restricting abortion access

Wyoming State Judge Strikes Down Two Abortion Laws as Unconstitutional

In a landmark decision on Monday, a state judge in Wyoming ruled that two laws restricting abortion in the state violated protections in the state’s constitution, which guarantee patients the right to make their own healthcare choices. The first law, which prohibited abortion except in cases where the life of the mother was at risk, or in cases of rape or incest, was deemed unconstitutional. The second law, a ban on medication-induced abortions, was also struck down.

Teton County District Judge Melissa Owens stated that the two statutes “impede the fundamental right to make healthcare decisions for an entire class of people, pregnant women.” She further explained that the laws suspended a woman’s right to make her own health care decisions during the entirety of her pregnancy, and were not necessary to protect the health and welfare of the people.

The bans were challenged by a group of women, including two obstetricians and two nonprofit organizations. Julie Burkhart, president of Wellspring Health Access and one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit, hailed the ruling as a victory for women’s rights and bodily autonomy.

The decision comes amidst a national debate on abortion rights, with voters in several states recently passing ballot measures to either reduce or maintain restrictions on abortions. Currently, 13 states have enforced abortion bans with limited exceptions, while four states have bans that take effect as early as six weeks into a pregnancy.

This ruling by Judge Owens is a significant win for reproductive rights advocates and sets a precedent for upholding the right to access safe and legal abortion care. It underscores the importance of protecting individuals’ autonomy and decision-making in matters of healthcare.